as in economical
careful in the management of money or resources
by being frugal, the family is able to stretch its monthly budget
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in economy
careful management of material resources
her lifelong frugality has enabled her to save enough money to go to college next year
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of frugal
Joe Cermele, Outdoor Life, 26 Mar. 2026
Again, not as dramatic as forgiveness or as frugal as full steam ahead.
—Howard Dvorkin, Sun Sentinel, 10 Mar. 2026
Karim Sadjadpour, The Atlantic, 31 Jan. 2026
Understanding that difference can prevent endless money conflicts because frugality builds a meaningful life, while cheapness slowly erodes joy.
—Brian Page, CNBC, 26 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for frugal
Adjective
Because my frugal and MacGyver-like Italian grandfather used to do it all the time.
—Joe Cermele, Outdoor Life, 26 Mar. 2026
Again, not as dramatic as forgiveness or as frugal as full steam ahead.
—Howard Dvorkin, Sun Sentinel, 10 Mar. 2026
Noun
Khamenei was born into poverty and outwardly disdains pomp, cultivating an image of pious frugality.
—Karim Sadjadpour, The Atlantic, 31 Jan. 2026
Understanding that difference can prevent endless money conflicts because frugality builds a meaningful life, while cheapness slowly erodes joy.
—Brian Page, CNBC, 26 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for frugal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for frugal
Adjective
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While fast food may be a convenient and economical option for some, dietitians warn that consumers need to be cognizant of total calorie count and other nutrition information.—
Kelly McCarthy,
ABC News,
21 Apr. 2026
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Ground beef handled with care is a versatile, economical protein that can anchor weeknight dinners.—
Anne Wolf,
Martha Stewart,
19 Apr. 2026
Noun
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As of April 2, 26 South Korean vessels remained stranded in the Persian Gulf, and South Korea is suffering some of the worst effects of the Iran conflict to its energy sector and economy of any non-combatant country, the CSIS said.—
Brian Dakss,
CBS News,
11 Apr. 2026
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The pharma industry is a cornerstone of Europe’s economy, but the continent’s declining competitiveness has companies looking elsewhere to place investments.—
Elsa Ohlen,
CNBC,
11 Apr. 2026
Noun
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While companies have always prioritized saving time—one of a brand’s most valuable resources—Luca Braschi, Soko’s marketing and technology manager, noted that energy is becoming an equally pressing concern, particularly as rising oil prices drive up costs.—
Angela Velasquez,
Footwear News,
21 Apr. 2026
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Or, the city could take a more time-consuming and cost saving approach by asking the state legislature for help.—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
6 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Those latter prices look downright thrifty in comparison.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
21 Mar. 2026
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What started out as a thrifty practice has become an unofficial commandment of Southern kitchens—don't waste one drop of tasty bacon grease.—
Josh Miller,
Southern Living,
8 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Where to Buy Depression Glass Depression glass is easy to find at thrift stores, yard sales, estate sales, and antique markets, says Hughes, so starting a collection is relatively stress-free—and provides an excellent introduction into the world of collecting glassware (or anything else).—
Alexandra Churchill,
Martha Stewart,
17 Apr. 2026
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During the week, Elmer shops for used Nikes, New Balances and other sneakers at thrift stores, then sells them in front of the neighborhood convenience store on the weekends.—
Wendi C. Thomas,
MLK50,
17 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Two of them are falsifiability and parsimony.—
Calum Lister Matheson,
The Conversation,
14 Nov. 2025
-
No act of parsimony shrinks the size of government either.—
John Tamny,
Forbes.com,
21 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Frugal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/frugal. Accessed 24 Apr. 2026.
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